North Korea’s Kim Jong Il has been re-elected chairman of the National Defense Commission. According to the nation’s constitution, that makes him leader, as his dead father is “Eternal President.”

Can Yahoo beat Facebook at its own game? Cindy Cotte Griffiths thinks maybe. Reasons: Business-friendly architecture; some better at-a-glance systems; AND . . . huge user base (many have joined Yahoo in order to stay connected to local PTA’s, etc.).

The U.S. power grid has been extensively mapped and compromised with leave-behind software. Says Dennis Blair, national intelligence director: “A number of nations, including Russia and China, can disrupt elements of the U.S. information infrastructure.”

Lawmakers sometimes follow the letter, not the spirit of the new earmark disclosure rule. While some are upfront on their web pages, others seem to hide earmarks behind catch-all pages like “other” and “legislation.”

Researchers predict 12 named storms for the 2009 season. This is fewer than in 2008, which had 16. Colorado State University’s hurricane forecast team says six will be hurricanes, with two expected to be major. First name of the year: Ana.

Kal Penn, who plays Kutner on the House cast, was killed off, to lead White House Office of Public Liaison. Penn, who is the second half of Harold and Kumar, says he is seeking “that balance between the arts and public service.” (Friend Kate Walsh pointed this out.)